A day after Sandalwood actress Avantika Shetty had complained of sexual harassment by the producer of her upcoming film, the hero of the film has come out openly in support of the producer stating that Avantika was purposely making false allegations.

Picture-perfect Avantika plays the heroine of the upcoming Kannada film titled as Raja Kannada Medium opposite Gurunandan. Avantika had made sexual harassment complaints against producer Suresh saying he expected ‘something more’ from her than her performance before the camera. She had also complained that the producer hadn’t paid her the assured payment.

Joining the issue with Avantika, Gurunandan says “Producer Suresh is one of the few noble-minded gentlemen in the film industry. He used to take care of the needs of the crew members and technicians as if he was taking care of his family members. Surely, there is something wrong with Avantika who is high-handed; she continues to make false allegations for reasons best known to her.

“Avantika cooperated initially but showed her real ‘face’ after a few days after which the producer decided to sack her from the film. As Rs.40 lakhs had been spent for the film’s making, the producer decided not to sack her and continue despite her non-cooperative attitude. She always reported late for the shoot and would take her own time in returning if she goes to Mumbai.

“Producer paid heavily for her hotel bills; Avantika would leave for the shoot only ato 10:30 a.m. from the hotel, keeping the entire crew waiting. She hardly conversed freely with the crew and other technicians as she had always thought proudly of herself,” Gurunandan concludes.